GUIDELINES TO FACILITATE THE TEMPORARY … · Guidelines to Facilitate the Temporary Movement of...

E

GUIDELINES TO FACILITATE THE TEMPORARY MOVEMENT OF REGISTERED RACEHORSES FOR INTERNATIONAL RACES

by

The Permanent Liaison Committee on the International Movement of Horses

Guidelines to Facilitate the Temporary Movement of Registered Racehorses for International Races

by

The Permanent Liaison Committee on the International Movement of Horses

of

The International Federation of Horseracing Authorities

Final Draft 15 March 2002 Adopted at the 36th Conference of the

International Federation of Horseracing Authorities Paris, 7 October 2002

Index

Executive Summary

Pages 1-2

Background

Current Situation

Pages 4-6

Recommendations

Pages 7-8

Conditions

Pages 9-15

Definitions

Pages 16-17

References

Page 18

Working Group

Page 19

Model Health Certificate

Annex (Pages 1-7)

of 19

Executive Summary

"We will either find a way, or make one" Hannibal (247 - 183 B.C.) Although not encountering quite the same type of impediments to travel that Hannibal's horses and elephants faced all those years ago, racehorses and their connections, embarking on multi-country "racing circuits" nowadays have to contend with an extensive range of complex travel related issues. This document is intended to address and resolve in a practical way, the many and varied problems that have arisen in recent years as a result of increasing numbers of racehorses travelling around the world on a temporary basis to compete in international races. Whilst protocols exist for the direct movement of horses to and from specified countries, there are few such protocols for the indirect movement of horses which travel through several countries as a result of the rapidly increasing availability of "racing circuits". Consideration is given in this document to the requirements for certification, testing, vaccination, stabling, quarantine, isolation, training and racing of racehorses, whilst at the same time acknowledging the high level of veterinary supervision under which valuable registered racing Thoroughbreds are usually maintained. These Guidelines have been developed by the Working Group of the Permanent Liaison Committee on the International Movement of Horses (PLCIMH), which itself was established by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities (IFHA). The Working Group is truly international with representatives from Australia, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong SAR, South Africa, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and the United States of America. Members of the Group have been drawn from racing authorities, government bodies, universities and research institutions. All members have had extensive and intensive involvement with the investigation and control of equine diseases, quarantine matters, international movement of horses and international horse racing. They have also utilised their many contacts with acknowledged experience in these and related fields. It is envisaged that these Guidelines, which have been endorsed by the IFHA, will be used by individual racing authorities around the world as an advisory and information document which will provide a basis for discussion with their government veterinary authorities in order to facilitate the formation or modification of protocols by which they either host international horse races and/or send their horses overseas to compete in such races.

of 19

It is also intended that these Guidelines will be an evolving document that will be reviewed and updated on a regular basis to meet the changing demands of the international racing industry with respect to novel developments in equine disease situations around the world. In this respect, the IFHA will work closely with the Office International des Epizooties (OIE) to ensure that there is always a firm scientific foundation to recommendations made in these Guidelines.

of 19

Background 1. The temporary international movement of registered Thoroughbred horses to compete in races

has increased significantly in recent years. Also, the number of countries hosting international races, or races in which overseas horses may compete, has increased. They currently include: Australia, Canada, countries of the Caribbean, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, South America, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United States of America (USA).

2. Many horses will visit more than one country to compete in races held within a relatively short

period of time, before returning (re-entry) to their country of usual residency. Examples of such itineraries include Europe to Singapore (Singapore Cup) to UAE (Dubai World Cup) to Hong Kong (Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup) to Singapore (Singapore Airlines International Cup) to Europe, during March/April/May. Or Europe to USA (Breeders Cup) to Japan (Japan Cup) to Hong Kong (The Hong Kong International Races) to Europe, during October/November/December. Opportunities for more complex itineraries to occur in the future are likely to increase.

3. This multi-country international movement of racehorses can cause considerable

complications with regard to equine health certification, quarantine/isolation protocols, testing/vaccination programmes and residency periods. It has become a logistical nightmare for the various racing authorities, government animal health services, horses� connections and shipping agents involved. A greater degree of co-operation and harmonisation at the veterinary government regulatory level is necessary.

4. The problems were highlighted at the 27th Asian Racing Conference (ARC) in Singapore and

Malaysia, during March 2000 and subsequently at the 3rd Meeting of the Permanent Liaison Committee of the International Movement of Horses (PLCIMH) in Paris, during May 2000. At the latter meeting, the following proposal was made:

�That guidelines be established to facilitate the safe movement of registered racehorses competing on an international circuit with specific reference to testing, vaccination, certification, quarantine/isolation and training.�

5. The Draft Guidelines were presented to the 28th ARC in Bangkok, Thailand during November

2001 where they received general acceptance. 6. The Guidelines were presented to the General Assembly of the International Federation of

Horseracing Authorities (IFHA) in October 2002 for their consideration, comment and approval. Individual Members of the IFHA may then use the approved and accepted Guidelines as a basis for discussion with their own veterinary authorities to achieve international harmonisation of the conditions under which registered Thoroughbreds may temporarily and safely travel between certain specified countries to race.

of 19

Current Situation 7. The official veterinary regulatory authorities of every country have three responsibilities with

respect to the authorisation of international movement of equines:

�� To ensure that the health status of animal (including the equine) and human populations, both domestically and internationally, is not compromised as a possible consequence of the international movement of racehorses.

�� To maintain the highest standards of welfare for horses undertaking international travel. �� To ensure that unnecessary restrictions on the movement of horses which have no

scientific basis are not imposed. 8. Itineraries

8.1. Some countries allow their horses to travel abroad to race and then to return without further testing and with minimal or no post-import isolation. This allowance is provided as long as the horses are held separately from horses not considered to be of equivalent health status, except during competition, whilst they are overseas.

8.2. This understanding has in the past usually only applied to horses visiting one country

and then returning directly home. Protocols for these movements are well established.

8.3. However in recent years, due to representations to Governments made by the racing industry and, in particular, by its veterinary advisers as well as the PLCIMH, multi-country movement between Australia, Europe, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, UAE and USA has been made considerably easier. In particular, the European Union (EU) decision to permit competition horses to be temporarily exported from Europe for 89 days, instead of the previous 30 days, without losing their temporary export status, has significantly improved the situation.

8.4. Conditions required by the country to which horses are to be repatriated can add further

complications to an already difficult issue.

9. Countries of export

Exporting countries have their own health certification, quarantine, testing and vaccination requirements for returning horses which depend upon:

�� The equine health status of the country visited �� The length of the residency in that country

of 19

�� Whether or not more than one country is visited �� The degree of separation and isolation of horses from different jurisdictions

10. Countries of import

Importing (host) countries have their own health certification, quarantine, testing and vaccination requirements for visiting horses which depend upon:

�� The country of origin�s equine health status �� The equine health status of any countries visited en route �� The veterinary health status of the country of origin and/or that of any countries visited

en route which may not directly include equines (e.g. foot and mouth disease [FMD]) �� The length of the residency in each country �� The degree of separation and isolation of horses from different jurisdictions

11. Inconsistencies and Variation

The aim is to develop a set of minimum guidelines to be endorsed by the IFHA that may be used as a basis for discussion with government veterinary authorities to achieve international harmonisation of:

�� Diseases of concern �� Vaccination requirements/periods �� Testing requirements/periods �� Export/import periods �� Isolation/quarantine conditions/standards/terminology and their application

12. Vaccination:

There is tremendous variation in requirements between countries even for the vaccination against one disease, e.g. equine influenza and these inconsistencies relate to: �� Maximum periods required pre-export �� Minimum periods required pre-export �� Maximum periods required pre-race �� Minimum periods required pre-race �� Definitions and requirements of primary vaccination courses and boosters �� Types of approved vaccines

13. Quarantine / Isolation

13.1. The requirements and application of quarantine/isolation often differ between countries and are frequently misunderstood, compared and commented on/criticised by horses�

of 19

connections. Inconsistencies are occasionally a source of discontent amongst the horse trainers and handlers. This has the potential to damage the image of international horse racing and the respect for necessary regulatory control.

13.2. Terminology and application is often confusing, ambiguous and inconsistent:

�� Pre-export quarantine (PEQ) �� Pre-export isolation (PEI) �� Post-arrival quarantine (PAQ) �� Post-arrival isolation (PAI) �� Examination versus inspection

13.3. In some instances quarantine/isolation requirements are imposed because of the health

status of a particular country. In others differences occur due to varying interpretation of rules and regulations and/or the ad hoc application of procedures where none officially exist.

13.4. Issues that commonly arise are:

13.4.1. Stabling:

�� Distance of visiting horses from local horses �� Distance between quarantine/isolation blocks �� Distance between 'regionally assigned' stable blocks �� Sharing of buildings/air space by various groups of visiting horses �� Sharing of peri-stable space/facilities by various groups of visiting horses �� Restrictions on personnel movements, e.g. stable staff, riders, veterinarians,

farriers, etc.

13.4.2. Exercise/Training:

�� Distance of visiting horses from local horses �� Distance between various groups of visiting horses �� Sharing of training tracks/facilities by various groups of visiting horses �� Restrictions on personnel movements

13.5. Management of many of the above issues is often dependent on physical restrictions and

constraints due to local conditions, facilities and manpower. However, racing authorities conducting international races must be prepared to invest in appropriate facilities and manage visiting horses according to internationally agreed minimum standards.

of 19

Recommendations 14. Registered racing Thoroughbreds are invariably valuable, kept under close veterinary

supervision, readily identifiable, have their movements well documented (and are therefore readily traceable) and, are under the control of internationally recognised racing authorities.

15. It is proposed that all registered Thoroughbreds which travel internationally to compete in

races are afforded a special and equivalent health status. This special health status would be dependent upon their compliance with the conditions specified for them as temporary exports only from their country of permanent/usual residency and as temporary imports only into a country (or countries) to race.

16. Isolation versus Quarantine � Terminology.

16.1. It is proposed that, for the purpose of the temporary international movement of

registered Thoroughbreds for racing purposes, the term isolation rather than quarantine be the most appropriate. Following the inspection, testing, vaccination and certification protocols to which these animals have been submitted and subsequently approved, the stringent conditions of quarantine need not apply. These horses must be isolated from the local horse population and from other horses temporarily imported but not of an equivalent certified health status. However, facilities should be available in all countries to adequately and effectively, quarantine/isolate (as appropriate) a horse should its health status deteriorate whilst temporarily imported.

16.2. There shall be no direct contact between horses not of equivalent certified health status

except at the time of racing. Whilst stabled, such groups of horses shall not share a common air space. However, sharing of training facilities, providing that no direct contact occurs, should be permitted. Given satisfactory compliance with the pre-import certification, testing and vaccination requirements, with appropriate veterinary surveillance, the risk of spread of an infectious disease is considered negligible by all visiting horses training on the same tracks at the same time (but at different times to local horses). However, swimming pools, water exercise/therapy machines, rolling boxes, etc. shall not be shared by horses not of equivalent certified health status or with local horses.

16.3. It is recommended that 15 metres is the minimum distance required between stable

blocks. 17. Any post-travel quarantine/isolation and/or testing procedures as officially required or deemed

necessary by the country of final residence should be carried out in that country. 18. Certification and Assurance

If horses being temporarily exported to take part in international races [Group/Grade races

of 19

only] are to be granted special status and allowed to move easily from approved country to approved country before returning home, then the importing countries will require assurances as to the horses� continuing high health status as originally certified. These assurances will, as is done for single movements, be provided by means of health certificates and will apply only to certain classes of horses e.g. registered Thoroughbreds in training involved in International Group/Grade races. These certificates will be used to provide assurances as to the health status of the horse when it leaves the country of origin (permanent/usual residency), to provide assurances that this status is maintained as the horse moves from country to country and is sufficient for re-entry into its country of origin.

19. For health certification to have credibility, it is essential that:

19.1. Horses being moved internationally are identifiable as the horses that have been certified.

19.2. The veterinary authorities of all countries involved in the international movement of

registered racing Thoroughbreds have a common understanding of what the certification is based upon and what the statements in the certificate mean in practice. Terms should be properly defined e.g. what is meant by "isolation" as opposed to "quarantine" and what does �not in contact with� or "stabled separately" mean (see Definitions).

19.3. Certifying veterinary surgeons are only asked to certify facts of which they have

personal knowledge. When they certify something, which is based upon information provided by a third party, then the basis upon which the certification is given should be made clear in the certificate e.g. based upon an owners/trainers declaration.

of 19

Conditions 20. Health Certification

20.1. See Model Health Certificate. 20.2. As visiting horses are imported on a temporary basis for racing purposes only and are

not resident on horse breeding premises, there is normally no need to test for diseases which are spread by the venereal route (e.g. contagious equine metritis [CEM], equine viral arteritis [EVA], dourine).

20.3. There is no scientific basis for imposing international movement restrictions relating

to diseases for which the horse is a "dead end host". Horses visiting areas in which such diseases are endemic may be required, by racing authorities and/or governments, to be vaccinated to protect them from clinical disease during their visit (e.g. certain equine encephalitis forms).

20.4. Prior to leaving their country of permanent/usual residency, horses should be tested,

vaccinated and/or certified to satisfy the requirements of every country to be visited on their racing itinerary just as if they had been imported directly from their country of permanent/usual residency.

20.5. No further testing should be required en route to countries visited provided that the

original laboratory reports (or certified copies) are available for inspection by the authorities of all countries visited.

20.6. Health certification would be issued for each travel sector and all such certification,

with the laboratory reports, would travel with the horse to enable onward travel certification to be issued.

20.7. Ideally itineraries, once embarked upon, should not change to include extra countries

but if this happens, then further testing, if required, should be undertaken en route and performed to the required OIE standards.

20.8. The veterinary authorities of countries hosting international horse races should ideally

agree identical/equivalent conditions using the OIE Code as a guide to facilitate the inter-country travel of the horses.

20.9. Initial certification would establish the health status of the horse to the satisfaction of

the veterinary authorities of all the countries that the horse is scheduled to visit.

of 19

20.10. Certification would provide assurances concerning:

�� The disease status of the countries in which the horses have been resident �� The disease status of the holdings on which the horses have been resident �� The disease testing that they have undergone �� The vaccinations that they have received �� The insecticide applications that they have received (if appropriate) �� The degree of veterinary supervision and circumstances of isolation they have

been under �� The disinfection and insecticide application (if appropriate) status of any transport

used 20.11. The diseases to be covered in the first four points above would depend upon the

disease situation in the country of origin (permanent/usual residency) and would be agreed by the veterinary authorities involved.

20.12. Testing should normally only be for diseases which occur in the country of origin

(permanent/usual residency) and of which the importing country(ies) have demonstrated freedom.

20.13. All serological tests and vaccinations must be carried out in accordance with the OIE

Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines, Fourth Edition, 2000 (Office International des Epizooties 2001), if OIE standards exist. The laboratory reports (or certified copies) for tests and proof of vaccinations carried out, must be attached to the certificate and officially endorsed by the certifying veterinarian. Certified entries of test results should (as is the case with vaccinations) be entered into the horse's passport to serve as a permanent record that will always accompany the horse (passports will/may need to be adapted for this purpose).

20.14. All certification must comply with OIE recommendations to ensure that statements are

factual and known to the certifying veterinary officers. 20.15. All horses must travel with their passports, the identification number of which must be

included on the health certification. 20.16. It is proposed that, as is mostly current practice, there would normally be no need for

pre-export isolation, but this would depend upon the equine disease status of the exporting country.

20.17. If pre-export isolation is deemed to be required, then the term must be clearly defined

and continued training must be allowed.

of 19

20.18. In the event that the horse�s itinerary is changed after the horse leaves the country of origin, additional testing/vaccination may be required.

20.19. Equine Influenza Vaccination

20.19.1. It is most strongly recommended that because of the highly infectious nature

of this viral respiratory disease, all horses should be properly vaccinated against equine influenza.

20.19.2. Vaccines containing the most updated strains of equine influenza viruses

should be used and administered according to manufacturer's recommendations.

20.19.3. A primary equine influenza vaccination course must have comprised at least

2 doses given within an interval of 4 to 6 weeks. Following a primary course a horse must have received annual boosters within a regular 12-month period. Failure to do so will necessitate the horse receiving a primary course prior to export.

20.19.4. During the 60 days immediately prior to export from its country of origin

(permanent/usual residency), but not within 14 days of export, the horse must have been administered a certified primary or booster course of approved equine influenza vaccinations as defined in 20.19.3.

20.20. For horses moving to their next destination, the basis of the certification involves:

�� Certifying that all required tests, vaccinations, examinations and inspections had been performed.

�� Certifying that the horse had been held in officially approved isolation stables

separate from local horses and those of a different health status as agreed, except during training and racing.

�� Certifying the disease freedom status of each exporting country as specified, and

of the premises on which the horse had been held. �� Certifying the fact that the horse had not had contact with animals showing clinical

signs of infectious disease whilst in that country. 20.21. The certificate and a copy of the initial health certificate which was issued by the

veterinary authorities of the country of origin (permanent/usual residency), would accompany the horse on each stage of its itinerary.

of 19

20.22. If horses are stabled and trained in accordance with the agreed isolation definitions

then they should be able to travel to other countries on their itinerary and return to their country of origin (permanent/usual residency) without additional testing or vaccination.

21. Disease Testing and Certification on Return to Country of Origin (Permanent/Usual

Residency) Individual countries may require certain post-arrival tests to be performed on returning horses and impose isolation periods relevant to that country's disease status (and that of the country[ies] of export).

22. Export Period Restrictions

Horses should normally return to their countries of origin (permanent/usual residency) within the period authorised by their veterinary authorities. (It is recommended that this is 90 days.)

23. Import Period Restrictions

Horses should normally remain in the country of temporary import for not more than 30 days unless otherwise authorised by the veterinary authorities of the country of origin (permanent/usual residency)/final residence, any countries remaining on the horse's itinerary and the country of current temporary residence.

24. Travel Documentation

It is proposed that all horses should, prior to leaving their country of origin (permanent/usual residency), be issued and travel with:

�� A properly completed, officially signed, dated and stamped, internationally standardised

health certificate showing the horse's name, colour, sex, age, breed and passport number with the name of its issuing/validating authority. The health certificate must list all countries proposed to be visited and certify that the horse has complied with all their import requirements at that time.

�� All laboratory test results required for each country to be visited. These must be

available for inspection by the authorities of those countries.

�� A signed and dated Acknowledgment by the consignor of his obligations under the certification which is to be attached to the Health Certificate (see Model Health Certificate).

of 19

�� A properly completed passport which will be endorsed for travel to the first country to be visited, and endorsed for onward travel to every subsequent country on the horse's itinerary by the authorities in each country.

25. Stabling

25.1 Stabling should be provided in accordance with any agreements reached between the individual countries involved.

25.2 It is recommended for disease risk management purposes, that stable blocks should

contain a limited number of horses, sharing a common air space. Each unit should be self contained and have the following facilities:

�� Feed, bedding room (or a direct supply of both from a central store[s]) �� Tack, equipment room �� Disinfection equipment, foot baths �� Documented insect vector control programme (where appropriate) which may

include mesh insect screening and tick control measures �� Hygienic management of waste �� Protective clothing and footwear available for use when required �� Procedures to record the movement of horses and personnel to enable effective and

efficient tracing 25.3. The stables should be capable of being effectively cleansed and disinfected (with

approved disinfectants). These procedures must be thoroughly carried out at least 24 hours before entry of visiting horses.

25.4. The stables shall not be on a horse breeding premises.

25.5. A toilet, washroom/shower facility should be available.

25.6. Daily recorded official veterinary inspection of all horses are required and will include

monitoring of the management of the isolation facility including tick inspection where necessary.

25.7. All veterinary findings, observations, treatments, etc. shall be recorded on charts in each

isolation unit which are readily available for inspection by veterinary authorities. 25.8. Horses shall have their temperature taken twice daily whilst in isolation and recorded on

their monitoring charts. 25.9. A separate, and secure isolation/quarantine facility must be available for horses suffering

from suspected or confirmed infectious disease. Appropriate consideration and

of 19

management must be given to all in-contact horses. 25.10. The isolation units must be surrounded by a high perimeter solid or chain link fence

with security surveillance. Methods must be in place to control and record access to the facilities by both horses and authorised personnel, which should be kept to an absolute working minimum. All records must be readily available for inspection by authorised personnel of relevant authorities.

25.11. Contingency plans should be developed and documented for the safe use of domestic

equine hospital facilities if and when required.

25.12. Contingency plans should be developed and documented for the safe disposal of the carcase and in-contact materials should a horse die or be destroyed as a result of a suspected or confirmed infectious disease.

25.13. Defined protocols for every aspect of the management of the isolation and any other

related facilities, should be developed, documented and implemented with independent audit provisions.

26. Training

26.1. It is recommended that because of the certified, tested, vaccinated and established health status of this category of horse, they be allowed on the training tracks together, unless otherwise required by the local veterinary authorities due to disease control measures. Direct physical contact between horses should not be permitted.

26.2. Where arthropod vector borne diseases are a potential risk, training times should be

outside expected vector feeding times and/or horses should be treated with prophylactic insecticides prior to leaving vector-protected facilities.

26.3. Training schedules must be agreed in advance by the veterinary authorities, be officially

supervised and enforced in accordance with the agreement.

26.4. Local horses must be kept separate at all times from the temporarily imported group, except at the time of the race(s).

26.5. Visiting and local horses must not be on the training track at the same time. When

visiting horses and local horses are outside their stables, effective separation should be enforced.

26.6. Local lead horses or ponies may be used for assistance during the training sessions of visiting horses but they must be tested, vaccinated and certified to the same health status as the temporarily imported horses and stabled in isolation from local horses. It is the

of 19

responsibility of the local racing authorities to inform connections of international runners of this rule well in advance and advise them if they are unable to comply with this condition and will therefore not be providing lead horses/ponies for training purposes.

26.7. On race day, local lead horses or ponies shall have the same status as local racehorses.

27. Model Health Certificate (see Annex)

27.1. The innovative "all-in-one" format of the model health certificate with its "chain of certified copies", seeks to provide a continuous, clear, harmonized and accurate record of all certified matters relating to all movements of the horse since departing its country of usual or permanent residency until its re-entry into that country.

27.2. Whilst the model certificate will probably be unable to cater for all eventualities, it is

considered that the concept and content should be adhered to as much as possible in order to achieve the objective of these Guidelines, i.e. to facilitate the temporary movement of registered racehorses for international races.

of 19

Definitions Quarantine and Isolation: Quarantine Article 1.1.1.1 of the OIE International Animal Health Code 2001 provides the following definition of a "Quarantine station". "Quarantine station means a facility under the control of the Veterinary Authority where a group of animals is maintained in isolation, with no direct or indirect contact with other animals, in order to undergo observation for a specified length of time and, if appropriate, testing and treatment". Isolation The OIE International Animal Health Code does not define "isolation". Blood and Studdert (1988)(2) define "isolate" as: �� to separate from others, or set apart. �� a group of individuals prevented by geographic, genetic, ecological, or social barriers from

interbreeding with others of their kind. Quarantine implies formal detention of horses: �� in a Government Quarantine Station; �� under the direct supervision of a Government Veterinary Authority; �� without the opportunity to exercise and maintain competition fitness; and �� with no direct or indirect contact with other horses. Isolation is a more appropriate term for management procedures relating to the temporary import of registered racehorses as: �� the isolation facility can be provided and operated by a Racing Authority rather than the

Government; �� representatives of the Government Veterinary Authority oversee the operation of the isolation

facility but are not continuously present; �� visiting horses are allowed to leave their stables for exercise under supervision; and �� visiting horses are accommodated in separated stables without coming into contact with the

local horse population except during racing.

of 19

Consignor and Consignee: Longman Dictionary of the English Language (1984)(3) defines to consign as: �� to give over to another's care. �� to give transfer, or deliver into the hands or control of another. �� to assign to something as a destination or end. �� to send or address to an agent to be cared for or sold. Consignor is the noun. It further defines consignee as: �� One to whom something is consigned or shipped. Consignor - Could therefore be considered as the person/company/organisation, that assumes

responsibility for the horse to ensure that it gets from its place of origin to its destination.

Consignee - Could therefore be considered as the person/company/organisation, that assumes

responsibility for the horse after it has been delivered to its destination. Not In Contact With: The Readers Digest Universal Dictionary (1990)(4) defines contact as: �� The coming together of two or more objects, surfaces or parts of objects so that there is no space

between them. �� The fact or relation of not being separated by space or another object. Not in contact with - Could therefore be considered to be when horses do not actually touch each

other. Stabled Separately: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English (1990)(5) defines separate as: �� Forming a unit that is or may be regarded as apart or by itself; physically disconnected, distinct

or individual (living in separate rooms). �� Prevent union or contact of. Stable separately - Could therefore be considered to be when horses are housed in stable blocks

that do not permit contact with horses in another stable block.

of 19

References Specific: (1) Endemic and Exotic Equine Infectious Diseases and their Effect on International Racing � K L

Watkins. Proceedings of the 11th International Conference of Racing Analysts and Veterinarians, Queensland, Australia (1996) Pages 281-286

(2) Blood DC and Studdert VP (1988) Baillieres Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary, Bailliere

Tindall, London Pages 501-502 (3) Longman Dictionary of the English Language (1984) Longman, England Page 311 (4) The Readers Digest Universal Dictionary (1990), First Edition, The Readers Digest Association

Limited, London Page 342 (5) The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Current English (1990) Eighth Edition, Edited by R E Allen

Pages 1103-1104 General: �� Import risk analysis: horses and semen (20 January 2000), MAF Biosecurity Authority,

Wellington, New Zealand �� Office International des Epizooties:

- International Animal Health Code Mammals, birds and bees

- Manual of Standards for Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines

Lists A and B diseases of mammals, birds and bees

- Website � www.oie.int

of 19

Working Group Chairman:

Dr Keith L Watkins, Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Head of Veterinary Department, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China, (Chairman of PLCIMH) (Tel: +852-29666605 / Fax: +852-26023305 / Email: [email protected]) Members:

Dr Roland Devolz, Technical Adviser on regulatory matters of the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, Paris, France, Europe (Tel: +33-149-102070 / Fax: +33-1 47 61 93 32 / Email: [email protected]) Prof Alan Guthrie, Director, Equine Research Centre, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Onderstepoort, Republic of South Africa (Tel: +27-12-5298068 / Fax: +27-12-5298301 / Email: [email protected]) Dr John McCaffrey, Chief Veterinary Surgeon, Racing Victoria, Melbourne, Australia (Tel: +61-3-92584774 / Fax: +61-3-92584605 / Email: [email protected]) Dr Tom Morton, Veterinary Officer, Emirates Racing Association, P O Box 1178, Dubai, United Arab Emirates (Tel: +971-4-3313311 / Fax: +971-4-3325464 / Email: [email protected]) Prof David G Powell, Epidemiologist, Department of Veterinary Science, Maxwell H, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States Of America (Tel: +1-606-2572756 / Fax: +1-606-2578542 / Email: [email protected]) Assisted by:

Dr Patricia Ellis, Principal Veterinary Officer, Horse Industry Programs, Chief Veterinary Officer's Unit, Victoria, Australia (Tel: +61-3-92174237 / Fax: +61-3-92174322 / Email: [email protected]) Dr Frits Sluyter, Head of the Veterinary Department, Federation Equestre Internationale, Switzerland, Europe (Tel: +41-21-3125656 / Fax: +41-21-3104760 / Email: [email protected]) Mr Andrew Turnbull, Independent Consultant, SVS Business Co-ordinator and Equine Veterinary Co-ordinator, State Veterinary Service, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, London, England, Great Britain (Tel: +44-20-79046301 / Fax: +44-20-79046466 / Email: [email protected]) Acknowledgements:

Ms Catherine S L Chan, Secretary to the Chairman of the Working Group, typist of the manuscript and health certificate.

15 March 2002

Model Health Certificate

for

Guidelines to Facilitate the Temporary Movement of Registered Racehorses for International Races

PLCIMH � (15 March 2002) MODEL "ALL-IN-ONE" HEALTH CERTIFICATE Annex

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ N.B. All pages must be endorsed with the certifying official veterinarian's initials and official stamp using a different colour ink to the paper and print.

Page 1 of 7

VETERINARY HEALTH CERTIFICATE

for Registered Horses for International Racing Purposes

* TEMPORARY IMPORTATION into ______________________(Country) or

* RE-ENTRY into ______________________ (Country)

Import Permit No. (if applicable): ____________________ Export Permit No. (if applicable):___________________ (issued by _________________________________Government) (issued by _________________________________Government) This certificate must be prepared in English (1) This certificate must only be used for one horse. A separate certificate must be issued for every destination. All certificates (or certified copies(2)) must travel with the horse to all destinations.

I. IDENTIFICATION OF THE HORSE:

Name: Colour: Sex: Age: Breed: Accompanying Passport Number: Issuing/Validating Authority:

II. ORIGIN OF THE HORSE (a) Exporting Country: _________________________ Competent Authority: _________________________________ (b) Name and Address of Consignor (3): ________________________________________________________________ (c) Address of Premises where the Horse was Examined: __________________________________________________

III. DESTINATION OF THE HORSE (a) Importing Country: ______________________________________________________________________________ (b) By * AIR/RAIL/ROAD/SEA: _____________________________________________________________________

(Indicate flight number, registration marks or registered name as appropriate)

(c) Name and Address of Consignee: __________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________



Page 2 of 7

IV. MOVEMENT INFORMATION OF THE HORSE

(a) Country of Permanent/Usual Residency: _________________________________________

(b) This horse has been/will be, temporarily imported into the countries below for racing purposes since leaving its country of permanent/usual residency according to the following sequence:

(i) Country(4): ________________________ Entry date: ___________________ Exit date: __________________

(ii) Country(4): ________________________Entry date: ___________________ Exit date: __________________

(iii) Country(4): ________________________ Entry date: ___________________ Exit date: __________________

(iv) Country(4): ________________________ Entry date: ___________________ Exit date: __________________

(v) Country(4): ________________________ Entry date: ___________________ Exit date: __________________

(c) The horse is returning to its country of permanent/usual residency: _________________________________ (country).

(d) I have read, certified as seen and attached to this certificate, all certification provided for this horse since leaving its country of permanent/usual residency (5).

V. ISOLATION INFORMATION OF THE HORSE

(a) The horse was temporarily imported into ____________________ (current country), on __________________ (date) and during the entire period of temporary import the horse has been held in officially approved isolation premises other than during transport between the ports of import and export and the isolation stables, and during training and racing under official supervision (5).

(b) The isolation premises * WERE/WERE NOT insect vector protected (5&6).

(c) The horse * WAS/WAS NOT treated with a topical application of approved insecticide prior to leaving the insect vector protected stables which includes during transport between the ports of import and export and the isolation stables, and during training and racing under official supervision (5&6).

(d) The premises were emptied and thoroughly cleansed and disinfected prior to the entry of the horse.

(e) The horse has not come into contact with local horses and other horses not of the same health status, other than at the time of the races (5).

(f) Address of Isolation Stables (5&6): ___________________________________________________________________

(g) Period of isolation from _______________ to _______________ and the insect vector protection conditions in Clauses V. (a), (b) and (c) * DID/DID NOT apply (6&7).

VI. HEALTH INFORMATION OF THE HORSE

I, ____________________________________, an official veterinarian authorised by the competent veterinary authority of _____________________________________ (country) to certify horses for export, hereby declare that:

(a) I have today examined the horse identified in this certificate and found it to be, free from clinical signs of infectious or contagious disease, free from external parasites and fit to travel (8).

(b) After due enquiry and to the best of my knowledge during the 60 days immediately preceding export * FROM THE COUNTRY OF PERMANENT OR USUAL RESIDENCY / DURING THE ENTIRE PERIOD IN THE COUNTRY OF TEMPORARY RESIDENCY:



Page 3 of 7

(i) the horse has not been in any country, territory or part of a territory, other than an officially recognised AHS Free Zone, in which African horse sickness has occurred in the last two years, or in which vaccination against this disease has been practised in the last 12 months (9).

(ii) the horse has not been in any country in which Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis has occurred during the last two years.

(iii) the horse has not been in any country in which glanders has occurred during the last two years.

(iv) the horse has not been mated, either naturally or by artificial insemination, or been resident on horse breeding premises.

(c) After due enquiry and to the best of my knowledge during the 60 days immediately preceding export * FROM THE COUNTRY OF PERMANENT OR USUAL RESIDENCY / DURING THE ENTIRE PERIOD IN THE COUNTRY OF TEMPORARY RESIDENCY:

(i) the horse was continuously resident on holdings under veterinary supervision in which none of the diseases listed below occurred in the 30 days immediately prior to export.

(ii) the horse did not suffer from any the diseases listed below, nor had contact with equidae from holdings which were subject to diseases listed below in the 30 days prior to export.

African horse sickness # Equine influenza Strangles (Streptococcus equi) Equine encephalomyelitis / encephalitis (all types)

Equine piroplasmosis Surra

Epizootic lymphangitis Equine viral arteritis Venezuelan equine encephalomyelitis # Equine herpes virus 1 (paralytic or CNS form)

Glanders # Vesicular stomatitis

Equine infectious anaemia # Nipah virus infection

(d) Horses from African horse sickness free zones (9):

(i) the horse has undergone pre-export quarantine for a minimum of 40 days in Culicoides protected facilities, and

(iii) the horse was confined to the vector protected stables from 2 hours prior to sunset until 2 hours after sunrise, and

(iv) the horse, prior to removal from the stables, was treated with an insect repellant effective against Culicoides, approved by the veterinary authorities of the exporting country.

(e) The diseases marked thus (#) listed in V.(c)(ii) are compulsorily notifiable.

VII. TESTING AND VACCINATION INFORMATION OF THE HORSE (10&11)

(a) (i) Blood samples were taken from the horse and subjected to the following tests with negative results (unless otherwise stated) in each case.

(ii) The following tests shall be performed in the country of permanent/usual residency in IV. (a) or, if necessary due to changes in the horse's itinerary, in any of the countries listed in IV. (b).

(iii) The tests have been carried out within 90 days of export to _________________________ (country of next destination).

(iv) All sampling for tests, or the final sampling for a final test of a series, which are conducted in the country of permanent/usual residency (IV.(a)) and used for the purpose of this health certificate, must have been performed within 10 days of export from that country.

(v) The original or certified copies of all health certificates, laboratory tests and vaccination certificates (unless recorded in the horse's passport) from all countries listed in IV. (a) & (b) must be attached to this health certificate (2).

(b) All sections must be completed by inserting a tick � in the appropriate box



Page 4 of 7

(i)

African horse sickness

�� If the horse originates from an official African horse sickness free zone of a country, territory or part of a territory in which African horse sickness has occurred in the last 2 years or in which vaccination against African horse sickness has been practised for the last 12 months, an ELISA test carried out on two samples of blood taken with an interval of between 21 and 30 days on ________________(12) and ________________(12), the second of which must be taken within 10 days of export either with negative reaction if it has not been vaccinated or with no increase in antibody titre if it has been vaccinated.

(ii) Equine infectious anaemia �� The immunodiffusion (Coggins) test on__________________(12).

(iii)

Equine influenza

During the 60 days immediately prior to export from its country of permanent or usual residency, but not within 14 days of export , the horse was administered:

�� a certified primary course of approved vaccinations against equine influenza comprising of at least 2 doses with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks.

OR

�� a certified booster vaccination against equine influenza within 12 months of a certified primary course, or within 12 months of a certified booster vaccination where it, and any other previous booster vaccinations, had been administered annually within a regular 12-month period since the primary course.

(iv)

Equine piroplasmosis

�� The indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) on __________________(12) for B.equi and B.caballi.

OR

�� Conditions at footnote 13 apply (13). OR �� The horse is piroplasmosis positive to either B.equi and/or B.caballi and

prior approval for importation has been obtained from the ________________________(country of next destination) Government and their approval documentation is attached.

(c) Additional testing and vaccination after departure from the country of permanent/usual residency.

(i) * Whilst in _______________ (country of export), blood samples were taken from the horse, on the dates shown (12) and subjected to the following additional tests with negative results (unless otherwise stated) in each case,

________________________________ (test) ____________________________ (date) ________________________________ (test) ____________________________ (date) (ii) * Whilst in _______________ (country of export), the horse received the following additional vaccination(s): ________________________ (vaccine) _____________ (batch no.) _______________ (date) ________________________ (vaccine) _____________ (batch no.) _______________ (date)

(d) Pregnancy: To the best of my knowledge, in the case of a female horse, she is not pregnant. (e) External Parasite Examination and Treatment

(i) The horse was thoroughly examined by either an official veterinary officer or a designated veterinarian. A systematic approach was undertaken with close examination of ears, false nostrils, under body areas (axilla, inguinal, under mandible), perineum, mane and tail.

EITHER

��No ticks were found. OR



Page 5 of 7

�� Ticks were found and all horses in the premises were immediately treated with a parasiticide effective against ticks. Subsequent re-inspection established that ticks were no longer present. The veterinary authorities of the country of the horse's next destination have been advised and have accepted the horse for temporary importation and their approval documentation is attached.

(ii) The horse was treated with a broad spectrum parasiticide, licenced/registered for use on horses, capable of killing ticks and used according to the manufacturer�s recommendations within 48 hours prior to export.

VIII. TRANSPORT INFORMATION

(a) The vehicle for the transport of the horse to the port of exit was cleaned and disinfected with an officially approved disinfectant and * WAS/WAS NOT treated with an licenced/registered insecticide to my satisfaction immediately prior to the loading of the animal.

(b) During transport the horse had no contact with animals not of the same certified health status.

(c) I am satisfied that the preparation for transport, and the disinfection and insecticide treatment (if appropriate) of the interior of the aircraft or vessel and removable equipment, penning and containers, have met the recommendations of the latest edition of the OIE Animal Health Code and that the containers meet the design and species requirements recommendations of the International Air Transport Association.

IX. CERTIFICATE VALIDITY:

Name of Official Veterinarian:

Position: Qualifications:

Address:

Tel:

Fax:

Email:

Other contact details in event of an emergency outside normal working hours:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________ Date: ___________________ Place: ______________________ Official Stamp: _____________________________________________________________________________ This certificate is valid for seven days.

* Delete as appropriate



Page 6 of 7

FOOTNOTES: 1. The language of the exporting/importing country(ies) may also be used providing that it appears below the English

version on the same certificate: 2. Certified copies may be photocopies of the original importation certification bearing the name, title, signature, date and

official stamp of the official veterinarian issuing the onward certification. 3. The consignor or his authorised agent must complete the declaration of acknowledgement attached to this certificate. 4. Country name to be inserted in Para. IV.(b) prior to completion of this certification with entry and exit dates completed

en route. Changes of itinerary will be certified as appropriate. 5. Clause not applicable to initial certification issued in country of permanent/usual residency. 6. If the country of export cannot be certified as being free of Surra, Equine Encephalomyelitis (all types), Screw worm,

whilst the horse is temporarily resident there, then the horse must be held in insect vector protected stables and treated with an effective insect vector repellent/insecticide on each occasion that it leaves the insect vector protected stables.

7. Clause to be completed in country of permanent/usual residency if pre-export isolation is officially required by any of

the countries of temporary import. 8. The examination must be carried out within 24 hours of the horse leaving the country. 9. An official African horse sickness free zone of a country, territory or part of a territory as defined in the OIE

International Health Code. 10. All serological tests and vaccinations must be carried out in accordance with the OIE Manual of Standards for

Diagnostic Tests and Vaccines, Fourth Edition, 2000 (Office International des Epizooties 2001) if OIE standards exist. The laboratory reports (or certified copies) for tests and proof of vaccinations (certified entries in the horse's passport are sufficient) carried out must be attached to the certificate and officially endorsed by the certifying veterinarian.

11. Blood samples must be sent to a laboratory approved by the National Veterinary Service of the exporting country. 12. Enter date the blood sample was collected. 13. Does not apply when the country of permanent/usual residence in IV. (a) is Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand

or Singapore.


______________________________________________________________________________________________________ N.B. All pages must be endorsed with the certifying official veterinarian's initials and official stamp using a different colour ink to the paper and print.

Page 7 of 7

Acknowledgement by the Consignor or his Authorised Agent

I __________________________________(name) hereby acknowledge the following:

(a) In the event of the horse identified in Para. 1. of this certificate, arriving in any of the countries(4) listed in Para. IV.(b) of this certificate without the correct certification or in any other way not having met these requirements, the horse and any in-contact horse or thing may be detained in isolation, exported at the importer�s expense or destroyed and disposed of at the importer�s expense.

(b) The horse must remain in a Government animal isolation facility or other Government approved premises until re-export.

(c) The duration of stay in the countries listed in Para. IV.(b) of this certificate shall not exceed 30 days unless approved by the Government Authorities of the horse's country of origin (permanent/usual residency)/final residence and the country of current temporary residence.

(d) Whilst in isolation in the countries listed in Para. IV.(b) of this certificate the horse may be subjected to any testing or any treatment prescribed by the Government Authority of those countries at the consignor�s expense.

(e) If the horse fails a test or shows signs of disease that horse and any or all other horses in the isolation premises may be, at the consignor�s expense, detained in isolation for further testing and/or observation or exported or destroyed and disposed of without recompense.

Name:

Position:

Address:

Tel:

Fax:

Email:

Other contact details in event of an emergency outside normal working hours:

____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature: _________________________ Date: __________________ Place: _____________________

GUIDELINES TO FACILITATE THE TEMPORARY … · Guidelines to Facilitate the Temporary Movement of...

Documents

Transcript of GUIDELINES TO FACILITATE THE TEMPORARY … · Guidelines to Facilitate the Temporary Movement of...